Scope Field Eval Explanation and Standards

[TX_Diver]

Simplicity. People should by equipment for what they actually do, not what they “may” do. Out to 600y’ish I, and very few of those I am around are over 6-7x. Since it isn’t required to have more than 6x; simpler is better. No futzing, no screwing with the magnification, not forgetting to turn it down, etc.- dial and shoot.

Makes sense. Thanks!

 

[Wiscgunner]

I wonder the way micrometers work (scope turrets) if the road test would get more passes if done before the drop test. I understand if scopes pass the drop test they will almost always pass the road test. This makes me think since these are spring loaded micrometers, that it is possible there may be "damage" to the spring system during the drops that otherwise would have let them pass the road test. This doesn't mean the scope is necessarily desired, just not as bad as it might appear.

Spring loaded micrometers are very susceptible to excess pressure and are usually not made of thin aluminum. It is possible the springs used in some scopes could get over compressed or when fully compressed the seating of the spring compressed the aluminum seating like a set screw does when tightening a turret cap. I know some scopes use flat leaf type springs, some use a single springs to oppose the 2 different micrometer heads (turret) that are 90* from each other while others use separate springs for each micrometer heads. There have been some cross section images of scope internals but I suspect this is the ultimate culprit area in losing zero outside of bending a turret thus changing the length of the micrometer.

I also suspect outside of damage or over extension in the spring area, lubrication of the spring to barrel contact point is VERY likely a contributing factor. The lubrication should be applied not just at the point of contact but to the fell length of travel to include the over extension to avoid "sticking" and needing a whack on the other side or a bunch of turret spinning to reseat the spring. In a perfect world I would love to take apart my scopes to check the quality of these areas from the factory. In my experience, service departments do not always follow or understand the functional design of mechanisms like this which is typically a result of poor training.

 

[Axlrod]

My thoughts on it, are why overthink it? There is a good data set on quite a few scopes that work. Why spend money on ones that work sometimes?

 

[slingin_sticks]

I practice at 3500 to 4500 ft I was wondering if there is going to be a noticeable difference when I go to hunt at 6000 to 7000. Far as needing to add or subtract my come up. I have ran it in my ballistic app and fro. 0 to 600 it is only a 2in difference was wondering if that is true.

 

[Bater]

You answered your own question, a good ballistic app doesn’t lie

 

[slingin_sticks]

You answered your own question, a good ballistic app doesn’t lie

10 4 I use the 4dof and it's been good to me so far

 

[garciamack]

It’s a good scope. If someone wanted a 3-18x’ish scope with a tree reticle that’s the one I would pick in general.

For hunting, it doesn’t do anything that, so far, the Maven RS1.2 doesn’t do better.

Sir, I've been reading your posts and your test reviews, much appreciated for those, but I am looking to buy a new scope. I would like to find one I could use in different terrains and at different distances. What would be your first recommendation? Thank you.

 

[Formidilosus]

Sir, I've been reading your posts and your test reviews, much appreciated for those, but I am looking to buy a new scope. I would like to find one I could use in different terrains and at different distances. What would be your first recommendation? Thank you.

Without knowing more details- the best general purpose hunting and shooting scope on the market is the SWFA 3-9x.

 

[garciamack]

Without knowing more details- the best general purpose hunting and shooting scope on the market is the SWFA 3-9x.

Sorry about that. Ranges would be from 100yd up to 900yd. I’d use it for deer here in different parts of Texas and I plan on going Elk hunting next year in Colorado. My rifle is a 6.5 PRC. Thank you.

 

[Formidilosus]

Sorry about that. Ranges would be from 100yd up to 900yd. I’d use it for deer here in different parts of Texas and I plan on going Elk hunting next year in Colorado. My rifle is a 6.5 PRC. Thank you.

SWFA 3-9x would be my first choice. SWFA 3-15x FFP Gen 2 would probably be my second choice. Then the Maven RS1.2 SHR-Mil.

 

[garciamack]

SWFA 3-9x would be my first choice. SWFA 3-15x FFP Gen 2 would probably be my second choice. Then the Maven RS1.2 SHR-Mil.

Thank you sir. I really appreciate your insight.

 

[philcox]

SWFA 3-9x would be my first choice. SWFA 3-15x FFP Gen 2 would probably be my second choice. Then the Maven RS1.2 SHR-Mil.

What changed to push Maven to 3rd?

 

[Formidilosus]

What changed to push Maven to 3rd?

For me- the ease of the turrets spinning on basically anything.

 

[TX_Diver]

For me- the ease of the turrets spinning on basically anything.

My swfa 3-9 turret gets sticky/mushy. I think it’s something with the o ring getting dusty as it temporarily gets better after cleaning.

What’s the long term solution for that? Oil hasn’t helped, cleaning with alcohol hasn’t helped… open to ideas!

 

[Formidilosus]

My swfa 3-9 turret gets sticky/mushy. I think it’s something with the o ring getting dusty as it temporarily gets better after cleaning.

What’s the long term solution for that? Oil hasn’t helped, cleaning with alcohol hasn’t helped… open to ideas!

Pull the O ring out.

 

[Wiscgunner]

My swfa 3-9 turret gets sticky/mushy. I think it’s something with the o ring getting dusty as it temporarily gets better after cleaning.

What’s the long term solution for that? Oil hasn’t helped, cleaning with alcohol hasn’t helped… open to ideas!

Fomblin or other rubber safe silicon grease. Dry gaskets drag

 

[BBob]

What’s the long term solution for that?

Other than using a synthetic o-ring grease you just take it out and throw it away. The internals under the turret are sealed so nothing is getting into the internals of the scope. You can take the turret off and clean it with a q tip and alcohol if gets wet or dirty. Reality is they don’t really get dirty much at all when you throw it away.